Liquid dispensing machine



NOV; 30, 1954 HA 2,595,557

LIQUID DISPENSING MACHINE Filed June 26, 1950 2 Sheets-$heet 1 L-l I [ea 7% Harvey 14: for 95/ NOV. 30, 1954 HARVEY 2,695,567

-LIQUID DISPENSING MACHINE INVENTOR. I Zea M Harv-9;,

United States Patent Ofifice 2,695,567 Patented Nov. 30,1954

2,695,567 LKQUID DISPENSENG MACHINE Leo M. Harvey, Los Angeles, Calif. Application June 26, 1950, Serial No. 170,353 12 Claims. (Cl. 103-148) to handle liquid, and a flow control mechanism that acts on such unit to positively operate it and to positively control the passage of liquid through the unit.

Another object of t is invention is to provide a mechanism of the general character referred to in which the liquid handling unit may be formed entirely of rubber govern the passage or flow of liquid therethroug'h, while a press acts on a portion of the unit to positively expel liquid therefrom.

y receives 1i container fitting, a collapsible cell supplied the inlet duct, and an outlet duct that conducts liquid from the cell and may be in the form or in the nature of a e with liquid by liquid therethrough. carried by a stem mounted for reciprocation. The choke acting on the outlet duct may be similar to the choke 1 taken as indicated by line 3-3 on Fig. l.

outlet choke through a coupling. The couplings are spring-loaded slack connections that allow for overtravel of the arms as they move to actuate the chokes. A spring or like means normally yieldingly holds the link in position so that the outlet choke is normally set, stopping flow through the outlet duct while the inlet choke is retracted or out of operation. An operating connection is provided between the stem of the press and the link so that when the stem of the press is retracted the linke is held in position where the outlet choke is active and as the stem of the press operates the link moves to that both chokes are simultaneously mover, a speed reducing mechanism and a ably engaged with the stem of the press.

lhe various objects and features ofmy invention will showmgvarious parts in section and peiising mechanism embodying the present invention, both mechanisms being shown in the normal position where the outlet duct is closed and the inlet duct open. is an enlarged plan section taken as indicated by line 22 on Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an enlarged detailed sectional view Fig. 4 is an dispensing mechanisms showthat both ducts of the liquid are closed. Fig. 5 is a view similar to enlarged view of one of the ing it partially operated so andling unit such machine includes action of the dispensers described and claimed in my copendmgapplication en- 2,647,661. will describe but one container The machine embodying include, generally, a frame tainer B, a dispenser C handling liquid from the container and operating means I) for the dispenser.

The frame A may, in practice, vary widely in form and construction and is ordinarily merely a mounting or carrier for the various other parts of the mechanism.

The container B is supported by the frame through a suitable mounting 10 and may, in practice, vary widely in form and construction. For example, it may be of the sealed type, involving a collapsible liquid-carrying bag as described in the aforementioned copending application, or it may be a simple container carrying liquid so that air or atmospheric pressure acts directly thereon. In the case illustrated the container B is of a simple c'arton-like construction with an opening at the top under control of a hinged closure 11 and having an outlet fit ting 12 at its lower end through which liquid passes or flows from the container.

The dispenser C handling involves, generally, a liquid liquid from container B A, aliquid carrier or con handling unit 15 with an inlet duct '16, a collapsible cell 17 and an outlet duct 18. An inlet choke 19 controls flow through the inlet duct 16, an outlet choke 20 controls flow through the outlet duct 18, and a press 21 acts on the cell 17 to compress or collapse it. A means 23 interconnects the chokes 19 and 20 while the means 24, preferably a spring, normally yieldingly urges the means 23 toward a position where the outlet choke is retracted and the inlet choke engaged or active. The means 25 connects the press 21 and the means 23 so that when the press is retracted the means 24 is held in position where the outlet choke is engaged or active and the inlet choke retracted.

The liquid handling unit 15 of the dispenser is preferably a simple, inexpensive body of rubber or rubberlike material and, in its preferred form, the inlet duct 16 is a simple, elongate tubular part with an open upper end applicable to or connected with the fitting 12 of container B. The lower end of the inlet duct 16 joins to or opens into the cell 17 which is an elongate tubular part substantially larger than the ducts 16 and 18 and of such size as to carry a predetermined amount of liquid. The outlet duct 18 is a simple, tubular part with its up per end in communication with the cell 17 and its lower end initially provided with a part 316 which closes the duct. In practice when the mechanism is ready for use the outlet duct is cut along the line 31 to remove the closure part 30, leaving the lower end of the outlet duct open so that the outlet duct acts as a delivery or discharge spout.

The inlet choke which acts upon the inlet duct 16 and which acts, when engaged, to stop fiow through the duct 16, preferably involves a shoe 32 engageable with the duct 16 and opposing a fixed abutment 34 which is engaged by the duct 16. The shoe 32 is shiftable relative to the abutment or toward the abutment so that the duct 16, which is between the shoe and the abutment, is choked or pinched when the shoe is actuated, so that liquid cannot flow through the duct. In the particular case illustrated the shoe 32 is carried by a stem 35 slidably supported in guides 36 so that it is free to reciprocate. The outlet choke may be of construction similar to that just described, that is, it may involve a shoe 4% engageable with the outlet duct 14 and opposing a fixed abutment 41 so that when the shoe is actuated it chokes or pinches the outlet duct 18 against the abutment 41. The shoe 40 is shown carried by a stem 43 supported in guides 44 so that it is free to reciprocate.

The press 21 which acts upon the cell 17 preferably involves a pressure head or plate 46 that engages the cell 17 and opposes a fixed abutment 47. When the plate 46 is operated toward the abutment 47 the cell 17 is squeezed or collapsed so that liquid in the cell is forced therefrom. In the case illustrated the plate or head 46 is mounted to shift relative to the abutment 47. I show the head 46 carried on a stem 48 which is carried by mounting rollers 49 so that it is free to reciprocate. The means 23 interconnecting the chokes 19 and 26 connects the chokes so that they operate together or in synchronism and oppositely. In the preferred form of the invention the means 23 involves a pivoted rocker, coupling means 51 connecting an arm X of the rocker with the stem of the choke 19, and coupling means 52 connecting an arm Y of the rocker with the stem of the choke 20. In the particular case illustrated the link is carried by a pivot pin 55 so that the arms X and Y project in opposite directions.

The coupling means 51 operatively connects arm X of the link with the stem 35 of the choke 19. The coupling is such as to provide for overtravel or overactivation of the link arm X in the direction causing the choke to engage and pinch the inlet duct 16. In the particular case illustrated the coupling 51 is shown in Fig. 3. The coupling involves a tubular section 60 joined to the outer ear of arm X by pivot links 61 and a rod section 62 rigid with the stem 35 and slidably carried in the section 60. A pin 63 projects from the rod section 62 and operates in a longitudinal slot 64 in the tubular section 60, and a compression spring 65 acts between a shoulder 66 on the tubular section and a shoulder 67 on the rod section to normally yieldingly urge the sections 60 and 62 apart. After the shoe 32 has engaged the duct 16 and has been operated to a position stopping flow through the duct, the arm X can continue to travel, or can overtravel, merely causing relative movement be tween the sections 60 and 62 spring 65.

The coupling means 52 connecting the arm Y of the rocker with the stem 43 ofthe choke 20 may be of the same construction as the coupling 51 so that when arm Y operates the choke to stop flow through the outlet duct the shoe 40 can engage the duct and collapse or pinch it so that'liquid cannot flow therethrough, following which the arm Y can over-travel.

The means 24, which is preferably a simple tension spring, acts on or is coupled to the mechanism just described so that it normally yieldingly urges the parts to a position where the inlet choke is active or operating and the outlet choke retracte In the case illustrated the tension spring of means 24 has one end anchored at 66 while the other end is anchored to the outer end portion of arm Y of the rocker so that it normally urges the rocker at the left in Fig. l in a clockwise direction.

The means 25 operatively connecting the press 21 and the means 23 serves to operate the rocker against the resistance of spring 24 and is such that when the press is retracted the rocker is positioned so that the inlet choke is retracted and the outlet choke engaged or in operation. In the particular case illustrated the means 25 involves a projection or finger 70 on the stem 48 of the press, which projection engages and operates the arm X of the rocker. which the projection against the resistance of The manner in '71) operates the rocker to the position where the outlet choke is engaged and the inlet choke retracted is clearly shown in Fig. 1. As the press starts operation or as the head of the press moves toward the .cell the projection "10 allows the rocker to move under influence of the spring 24 to a position such as is shown in Fig. 4, where both chokes are engaged or active. As the press continues to operate from the position shown in Fig. 4 the outlet choke opens and finally becomes fully retracted as the pressure plate engages and collapses the cell 17. In Fig. 5 I show engaged, the outlet choke retracted and the cell partially operated. After the cell has been completely collapsed and all of the liquid discharged therefrom it is returned to the unactuated position in the course of which operation the projection 70 engages arm X to finally re-establish the mechanism in the position shown in Fig. 1, so that liquid fills into the cell from the container B.

The operating means D provided for actuating the dispensing mechanism suitable mechanism that serves to operate the parts in the manner set forth. In the preferred form of the invention the operating means D involves a prime mover or motor M operating through a speed reducing mechanism 86 and a suitable drive 81 to reciprocate the stem 48 of the press. In the particular case illustrated the drive shaft 83 operated through the speed reducing mechanism 80 operates the drive 81 which is a crank mechanism involving a crank disc 84 carrying a crank pin 85 that operates in a yoke 86 provided in or formed as a part of the stern 48. Through the drive mechanism just described intermittent operation of the motor causes the desired reciprocation of stem 48 of the press, with the result that the dispensing mechanism operates to deliver measured or given quantities of liquid from container B. In'the particular case illustrated the dispenser delivers liquid to a cup or receptacle 90 positioned beneath the outlet duct.

From the foregoing general operation of the mechanism will be fully understood. In practice a container B having a liquid handling unit attached thereto as a permanent or sealed part, or having a liquid handling unit applied thereto, is installed in the machine so the liquid handling unit is in position to be acted upon by the chokes and the press. As the machine is operated liquid is dispensed in measured quantities and when the container B is empty or at any time the container B can be removed,

together with the liquid handling unit, and if these parts are made of the simple inexpensive construction permitted by the invention, they can be discarded and new or fresh parts installed for following operations.

Having described only a typical preferred form and application of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific details herein set forth but wish to reserve to myself any variations or modifications that may appear to those skilled in the art and fall within the scope of the following claims.

the parts with the inlet choke hereinabove described may be any description it is believed that the cell and an outletduct,

Having described my invention, I claim:

In combination, a liquidhandlingunit of flexible material having an inlet duct, an

eter: thanthe cell, .an inlet choke engageable with the inlet duct to stop flow therethrough,.an outlet choke engageable with the outlet duct to stop flow therethrough, a press engageable with the cell to collapse it, a drive means. operating the press and a pivotedlink mechanism interconnecting the chokes and the press so they operate in synchronism with the press, each choke including a duct engaging abutment, a duct engaging shoe opposing the abutment and a reciprocating stem carrying the shoe and operated by said pivoted link mechanism.

In combination, a liquid handling unit having an inlet duct, a collapsible cell and an outlet duct, an inlet choke engageable with the inlet duct to stop flow therethrough, an outlet choke engageable with the outlet duct to stop flow therethrough, a press engageable with the cell to collapse it, means operating the press, and a pivoted rocker operated by the press and connecting the chokes whereby they operate synchronously and in synchronism with the press.

3. In combination, a liquid handling unit having an inlet duct, a collapsible cell and an outlet duct, an inlet choke engageable with the inlet duct to stop flow therethrough, an outlet choke engageable with the outlet duct to stop flow therethrough, a press engageable with the cell to collapse it, a pivoted rocker connecting the chokes whereby they operate oppositely, drive means operating the press, and an operating connection from the press to the combined rocker and chokes.

4. In combination, a liquid handling unit having an inlet duct, a collapsible cell and an outlet duct, an inlet choke engageable with the inlet duct to stop flow therethrough, an outlet choke engageable with the outlet duct press.

5. In combination, a liquid handling unit having an inlet duct, a collapsible cell and an outlet duct, an inlet choke engageable with the inlet duct to stop flow therethrough, an outlet choke engageable with the outlet duct to stop fiow therethrough, cell to collapse it, operate oppositely and rocker and an overtravel press, and a connection whereby the operation of of the press.

6. In combination, a liquid handling unit including a continuous body of flexible material having an elongate collapsible cell, an inlet duct at one end of the cell, and an outlet duct at the other end of the cell, an inlet choke engageable with the inlet duct to stop flow therethrough, an outlet choke engageable with the outlet duct to stop flow therethrough, a press engageable with the cell to collapse it, so they operate oppositely and including a pivoted rocker d an overtravel coupling, positively operating press, and a drive connection between the press and rocker whereby the chokes are operated by the press.

7. In combination, a liquid handling unit having an inlet duct, a collapsible cell and an outlet duct, an inlet choke engageable with the inlet duct to stop flow therethrough, an outlet choke engageable with the outlet duct to stop flow therethrough, a press engageable with the cell to collapse it, a pivoted rocker with oppositely projecting arms each operating a choke, means normally yieldingly urging the rocker to a position where the inlet choke is engaged and the outlet choke is retracted, drive means operating the press, and a connection between the press and the rocker whereby the rocker is operated to engage the outlet choke and retract the inlet choke when the press is retracted.

8. In combination, a liquid handling unit having an inlet duct, a collapsible cell and an outlet duct, an inlet choke engageable with the inlet duct to stop flow therethrough, an outlet choke engageable with the outlet duct to stop flow therethrough, a press engageable with the including coupling, means operating the between the press and rocker the chokes is controlled by that cell to collapsedt, a

6 pivoted rocker with opposite arms,

yielding overtravel connections between the arms and chokes, means normally yieldingly urging the rocker to aposition where the and retract the inlet choke when the press is retracted.

9. In combination, with liquid from the.

a liquid carrier, a unit supplied carrier and including, an inlet duct, a collapsible cell, and an outlet duct, an inlet choke engaging the inlet duct to stop flow therethrough,

drive means operating the press, and a drive connection between the press and rocker whereby the operation of the actuating means is controlled by that of 10. In combination,

the press.

a flexible liquid handling unit having an elongate collapsible cell, an inlet duct extending from one end of ing from the gageable with the inlet duct to stop the cell and an of the cell,

fiow therethrough,

an outlet choke engageable with the outlet duct to stop flow therethrough, a

press engageable with the cell to collapse it, and a mechanism interconnecting the chokes and the press so they operate in synchronism, each choke including, an abutment, a duct engaging shoe, and a slidably mounted stem carrying the shoe, and the mechanism including a pivoted rocker with oppositely projecting arms operating the stems of the chokes.

11. In combination, a liquid carrying container, 21 unit supplied with liquid from the container and including, an inlet duct, a collapsible cell, and an outlet duct, an inlet choke including an abutment engaged by the inlet duct, a reciprocating the stem and engaging the the abutment, an engaged by the outlet duct,

normally yieldingly urging the stem and a shoe carried by inlet duct to clamp it toward outlet choke including an abutment a spring rocker to a pos1t1on where the inlet choke is engaged and the outlet choke is retracted, drive means positively reciprocating the stem of the press, and a drive connection between the stem of the press and the rocker operating the rocker to a position where the outlet choke is engaged and the inlet choke retracted when the 12. In combination, tary body of flexible the container and including, an inlet duct at one at the other press is retracted.

a liquid carrying container, at unimaterial supplied with liquid from an elongate collapsible cell, end of the cell, and an outlet duct end of the cell, an inlet choke including an abutment engaged by the inlet duct, a reciprocating stem toward the last mentioned abutment, a

head engaging the cell to collapse it and a reciprocating stem carrying the head,

a pivoted rocker with opposite arms, a yielding overtravel coupling connecting the stem of the inlet choke to one pling connecting the stem arm, a yielding overtravel couof the outlet choke to the other arm, a spring normally yieldingly urging the rocker to a position where the the outlet choke is retracted,

inlet choke is engaged and (References on following page) References Cited in the file of this patent Number V UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,363,410 624,555 Smith May 9, 1899 5 2,412,397 866,815 Sayers Sept. 24, 1907 1,172,574 Wh1te Feb. 22, 1916 1,783,095 Mulrhead Nov. 25, 1930 Number 2,105,200 Phelps Jan. 11, 1938 131,864

Mercier Feb. 10, 1942 8 V Name Date 7 Harper Jan. 19, 1943 Marsh June 20, 1 944 Gill Nov. 21, 1944 Harper Dec. 10, 1946 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Germany Apr. 12, 1901 

